recant

[riˈkænt]

recant Definition

• 1. to publicly take back and deny (something previously said or believed)
• 2. to renounce or withdraw a statement or belief
• 3. to retract a previous statement

Using recant: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "recant" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The politician was forced to recant his statement after it caused controversy.

• Example

  The scientist recanted his theory after new evidence emerged.

• Example

  She had to recant her testimony in court when it was proven false.

recant Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for recant

• retract
• withdraw
• renounce
• disavow
• repudiate

Antonyms for recant

• affirm
• assert
• maintain

Phrases with recant

• recant one's faith

  to publicly renounce or withdraw one's religious beliefs

  Example

  He was threatened with death if he did not recant his faith.

• recant a confession

  to withdraw or retract a previously made confession, often done under duress or coercion

  Example

  The suspect claimed that he was forced to recant his confession by the police.

• recant a promise

  to go back on a previously made promise or commitment

  Example

  She had to recant her promise to attend the party due to a family emergency.

Origins of recant

from Latin 'recantare', meaning 'to sing again'

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Summary: recant in Brief

The verb 'recant' [riˈkænt] means to publicly take back or deny something previously said or believed, often used in the context of retracting a statement or belief. It can also mean to renounce or withdraw a previous statement, as in 'The scientist recanted his theory after new evidence emerged.' 'Recant' is often used in legal or religious contexts, such as 'recant one's faith,' or 'recant a confession.' Synonyms include 'retract' and 'withdraw.'